Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has sent birthday wishes to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as the former governor and ex-Minister of Defence celebrates his 70th birthday, against the backdrop of their political differences.

News Flash 24 reported that Yusuf praised Kwankwaso’s contributions to Kano State and Nigeria in a congratulatory message released on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

The governor also prayed for Allah to grant his predecessor good health, long life and renewed strength to continue contributing to the development of the state and the country.

The birthday gesture comes months after Yusuf abandoned the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that strained his relationship with Kwankwaso, who had been his political mentor and ally. Yusuf formally joined the APC on January 26, 2026, three days after announcing his departure from the NNPP.

The governor’s message was issued by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House.